Channel Groups & Pixel Layout System
Take your lighting control to the next level with advanced organization and pixel mapping
Take your lighting control to the next level with DMXDesktop's advanced Channel Groups and Pixel Layout system. Designed for both professionals and ambitious creators, this feature set makes it simple to organize fixture channels, build powerful pixel mapping configurations, and unlock creative effects that scale from small stages to massive productions.
DMXDesktop also includes a Bulk Channel Editor tool, which you can use for setting up fixtures with multiple clusters or repetitive channels.
Two-Tier System Architecture
1. Master Fixture Profiles (Template Level)
At the template level, you define reusable channel group templates and pixel layouts inside My Profiles.
Key Features
- Master Channel Groups Editor – configure channel clusters for fixture profiles.
- Virtual Groups System – organize clusters into logical groups like Natural Fixture or Custom Groups.
- Master Pixel Layouts – create pixel mapping templates once and apply them across multiple patched fixtures.
- Auto-Detection – automatically detects common channel patterns (RGB sets, Pan/Tilt, etc.).
- Template Inheritance – fixtures inherit the master configuration when patched.
Use Cases
- Create a master profile for an LED Par 64 RGBW with predefined RGB clusters.
- Set up a Moving Head Spot with separate Pan/Tilt and Color groups.
- Define pixel layouts for LED strips or matrix fixtures once, and reuse them anywhere.
2. Patched Fixture Level (Instance Level)
At the patched fixture level, you apply and customize channel groups for specific fixtures on your stage.
Key Features
- Channel Groups Editor – modify inherited groups or create fixture-specific configurations.
- Group Mapping – assign channel clusters to target groups for better organization.
- Pixel Editor Integration – build pixel layouts that work seamlessly with channel clusters.
- Stage-Specific Customization – override master settings for unique show requirements.
Core Concepts
Channel Clusters vs Virtual Groups
- Channel Clusters
Raw channel groupings (e.g., RGB 1, Pan/Tilt). Detected automatically or created manually. - Virtual Groups
Organizational containers for clusters (e.g., Pixel Bars, Movers). Used in pixel mapping and advanced control.
Auto-Detection Intelligence
The system automatically detects:
- RGB/RGBW sets
- Pan/Tilt pairs
- Dimmer/lamp groups
- Single-channel colors
Real-World Use Cases
Gigbar with Mixed Fixtures
- Setup: Create virtual groups (LED Pars, Moving Heads, Lasers).
- Benefits: Pixel map only the pars, keep movers separate, and isolate lasers for safety.
LED Strip with Multiple Sections
- Setup: Divide 20 pixels into Main Wash (1–10) and Accent (11–20).
- Benefits: Independent pixel mapping for each section with simplified programming.
Moving Head with Ring Light
- Setup: One group for Main Beam (Pan, Tilt, Color, etc.), another for LED Ring.
- Benefits: Pixel effects run on the ring while the main beam functions as a classic moving head.
Matrix Panel Organization
- Setup: Auto-detect 64 RGB clusters on an 8×8 matrix. Create groups like Top Half, Center Square, Border.
- Benefits: Run unique effects on each zone for flexible, creative shows.
Technical Integration
Pixel Editor Connection
- Cluster-specific layouts
- Multi-cluster support
- Automatic cleanup of orphaned layouts
- Layout inheritance from master to patched fixtures
DMX Engine Integration
- Group-specific pixel maps
- Optimized DMX output
- Full legacy fixture compatibility
- Dynamic routing per group
Workflow Examples
Setting Up a New Fixture Type
- Create a master profile in My Profiles.
- Run auto-detection to identify patterns.
- Organize clusters into virtual groups.
- Create pixel layouts for relevant groups.
- Patch fixtures and inherit the configuration.
Customizing for a Specific Show
- Patch fixtures (inherit from master).
- Override groups where needed.
- Adjust pixel layouts for the venue.
- Test and refine.
Advanced Features
Confidence Scoring
Auto-detection provides scores to guide you:
- 90%+ – highly reliable
- 50–89% – review recommended
- < 50% – manual verification
Batch Operations
- Multi-select clusters
- Drag-and-drop assignment into groups
- Apply templates across multiple fixtures
Custom Cluster Creation
- Manual channel selection
- Meaningful naming and organization
- Built-in validation to prevent conflicts
Why Two Separate Systems?
Master Level (Profiles)
- Reusability – one setup works across fixtures
- Consistency – uniform behavior
- Efficiency – reduced setup time
- Maintenance – update once, apply everywhere
Patched Level (Instances)
- Flexibility – tailor for specific shows
- Overrides – adjust inherited settings
- Stage-specific – adapt to venues or constraints
- Non-destructive – master templates remain intact
This separation ensures efficiency through templates and flexibility through customization, scaling from small setups to large productions.
Smarter Pixel Mapping, Faster Programming
With DMXDesktop's Channel Groups and Pixel Layout system, you spend less time configuring and more time creating. Whether you're running a simple bar gig, a touring show, or a full-scale production, the combination of intelligent auto-detection, reusable templates, and stage-specific overrides gives you the best of both worlds: speed and precision.
Premium Feature
Please note: Channel Groups are a premium subscriber only feature.